Gaseous discharge device



Nov. 19, 1963 w. F. KAZUK ETAL GASEOUS DISCHARGE DEVICE '3 Sheets-Sheet1 Filed Dec. 26, 1961 INVENTOR5 Wz/fe/ Z Kazuk Pic/74rd J Pasco ATTORNEYNov. 19, 1963 w. F. KAZUK ETAL 3,111,599

GASEOUS DISCHARGE DEVICE Filed Dec. 26, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORSWa/fer f Kazuk 4 Richard J. Pasca ATTORNEY Nov. 19, 1963 w. F. KAZUKETAL 3,111,599

GASEOUS DISCHARGE DEVICE Filed Dec. 26, 1961 "5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR5Wa/fer E Kazuk a? Ric/70rd J Passe BYQWZW ATTORNEY United States Patent3,111,599 GASEGUS DISCHARGE DEVECE Walter F. Kamila, Montoursville, andMchard J. Pasco, South Wiliiamspoit, la., assignors to Sylvania ElectricProducts inc, a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 26, 196i, Ser. No.161,877 9 Claims. (Cl. 313188) This invention relates to amulti-electrode gaseous discharge device and more particularly to acounter tube employing a central anode disc surrounded by a plurality ofspaced electrodes successively functioning as counting cathodes.

In multi-electrode gaseous discharge devices, such as switching orcounter tubes, groups of electrodes are operated sequentialy atdifferent potentials to transfer the discharge from one cathode toanother relative to the anode. In a four output cathode counter tube,for example, there is a central anode disc peripherally surrounded byfour counting cathodes and two sets of four guide or transfer cathodesto provide a total of thirteen electrodes. Adequate spacings andnecessary electrode supports are derived from several mica spacers andceramics as well as from specific stem constructions. Numerousstructural Welds and buss connections are utilized to structurally andeiectrically join the numerous electrodes to the pertinent stem leads sothat the resultant tube may function in the desired manner. Even withsuch a relatively simplified :four output cathode counter tube the largenumber of welds and the complexity of the structure makes it dniicultand expensive to produce and inherently susceptible to failure from openwelds.

The stem of these tubes, with its surmounted electrode structure, isprovided with a suitable envelope, thereby producing a tube of resultantheight which is, on occasion, increased by the addition of a base' Thelarge size of this structure is often a disadvantage since tube heightis a deciding factor in many applications.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to decrease theaforementioned disadvantages by improving the compactness andreliability of the gaseous discharge device and by enhancing the ease offabrication thereof.

A further object is to simplify and improve the manner of supporting thetube electrodes.

The foregoing objects are achieved in one aspect of the invention by theprovision of a gaseous discharge tube having a base including atubulation formed to support an anode disc. About the periphery of theanode are positioned a plurality of electrodes formed to function ascathodes and guides. A dome is sealed to the base so that theaforementioned electrodes, being radially positioned in the plane of theseal, are hermetically incorporated into the dome-base seal. If desired,buss conductors may be bonded to the exterior surface of the tube tofacilitate electrical connections of like functioning electrodegroupings.

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with otherand further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference ismade to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the invention;

PEG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates in section an alternate tubulation structure with asurmounted anode disc adaptable for use in the tubes as shown in FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a counter tube using bonded conductorsfor electrically connecting certain electrode groupings together;

3,1 l 1,599 Patented Nov. 1Q, 1963 FIG. 5 shows in enlarged detail analternate electrical conductor having means for interconnecting theelectrodes; and

FIGS. 6 through 10 sequentially illustrate various steps in thefabrication of the type of gaseous discharge devices shown and describedherein.

Referring to FIG. 1, a counter tube 12 is shown comprising ahemispherical or cup-shaped base 13 of glass, alumina, steatite or thelike having a tubulation 14- of Kovar or copper alloy supported thereinby an axial seal 15. A metal anode disc 17, having a center perforationi8, is aflixed to the inner end of tubulation 14 as by brazing, Weldingor the like. Thus, tubulation 14 is formed to function as an exhaust andgas filling channel, as a support for anode disc 17, and aftertubulation sealing, as an external electrical connection for the anode17.

In the counter tube 12, a plurality of substantially L-shaped electrodes25) are equally spaced in radial array about the rim of the cupshapedbase 13 so that the internal end portions 21 of the leads liesubstantially perpendicular to and equidistant from the periphery ofanode disc 17. A substantially cup-shaped dome 25 of glass, alumina,steatite or the like is inverted and positioned so that its rim iscongruent with the rim of the base, and a seal 27 is made to hermeticalyjoin together the base 13, dome 25 and the electrodes Eli which arepositioned in the seal plane therebetween. These electrodes, which arehermetically fixed in the seal plane, function either as output cathodesor guide cathodes. All of the output cathodes and all of the guidecathodes may tenninate as similarly formed individual electrodes. Theguide groups may be tied together in external socket connection or inexternal conductive bondings 67 and 69, as shown in FIG. 4.

It can be seen that tube 12 is enclosed by a substantially sphericalshaped envelope having an anode electrode connection protruding axiallyfrom the bottom of the base and a plurality of electrodes 21? extendingexteriorly from the seal plane in a radial arrangement. The exteriorportions of electrodes 2% may be straight radial projections extendingoutwardly as shown in FIG. 10, or they may have extensions angularlywelded to the exterior ends thereof to form base pins 23. The straightradial projections may be of suflicient length to enable externalbending to form the base pins if desired.

Further height compaction can be achieved with the tube structure shownin FIG. 2 wherein both the base 29 and dome 32 are substantiallyflattened cup or saucershaped. In this construction the electrode innersection 36 is straight and lies in the seal plane which is co-extensivewith the plane of anode 45. The outer portions of electrodes 4% mayemploy attached pins 4-3 or may be otherwise bent to form the pins.

Another form of a tubulation structure is shown in FIG. 3 wherein atubulation 53 of glass, alumina, steatite or the like is utilized. Thereis sealed or brazed to the inner end of this tubulation a metal anodedisc-like structure 55 having a center perforation 57. To this disc 55there is joined, as by a weld 59, a conductor such as a wire or metalribbon 61 which extends through the length of the tubulation to form anexternal anode connection 63. Tubulation 53 may be used with the tubestructures shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In counter tube operation the number one guide cathode group and thenumber two guide cathode group are joined together in two separategroupings and preferably have a single external connection for eachgroup. For tubes described herein, this circuit connection may beaccomplished by specially fabricated sockets. In cases where it isdesirable for the tube to provide this circuitry, the

connections may be achieved by bonding conductors 6'7 and 69 to theoutside surface of tube 12. as shown in PEG. 4.

The electrically conductive material s7 and 59 may be painted, printed,overlaid or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the tube envelopeto electrically connect together the respective out r projections ofeach guide cathode grouping. When the electrode groupings are soconnected, there is need for only one external connection for each guidegroup. Therefore, only one guide electrode 71 and 1 3 from each of thetwo guide groups is required for operation. The external portions of theother guide electrodes may be removed, thereby leaving short lengthstubs like those shown as stubs 75 and '77 from the respective groupingsproiecting outwardly from the seal plane jointure.

Alternate conductor means are shown in FIG. 5 with an annular crown 79formed or" thin metal which is prefabricated and formed to fit thecontour of the tube 12. This crown '79 has split-lip contacts 80 formedto snap over and contact the electrodes by encirclement as they emergefrom the seal jointure. An application of cold setting electricallyconductive cement to each electrodecontact area insures positive bond ngif desired. The use of two such crowns 79* on each tube, adequately separated from one another, accomplishes the desired connections for eachguide cathode grouping.

The steps performed during fabrication of the tubes described herein areshown in FIGS. 6 through 10. The cup-shaped or substantiallyhemispherical base 13 is hermetically sealed to tubulation 14 whichcontains anode disc-like structure 17. The electrodes 29 are properlyspaced from the anode and are positioned in a substantially equidistantradial arrangement about the rim of the base. Subsequently, dome 25,having a substantially hemispherical or cup-shaped contour, is invertedwith respect to base 13 and aligned with the base and the array of leads2%. These aligned parts are brought together and sealed to providecircular seal plane 27. The seal may be supported on the dome and baseby contoured molds or" suitable refractory materials if heat is used forsealing. During this operation a pressure of inert gas, as of nitrogen,may be introduced into the envelope by means of the tabulation id. Thepressure of this gas is such as to maintain the desired shape of theenvelope during the heating and sealing operation. After sealing,processing is continued by exhausting the inert gas and other gaseouscontaminants and filling the tube with a prescribed operating gaseousmixture. The tubulation 14 is then pinched or tipped oil to providehermetic seal 39. This sealed tubulation may serve as the external anodeconnection for the tube.

Electrical conductors 67 and 69, connecting the guide cathode groupings,may be added, if desired, as described in conjunction with FIG. 4.

The invention described herein provides a multi-electrode gaseousdischarge tube having a simplified compact structure. The reduction inthe number of structural parts and welds provides a tube having a highdegree of ruggedness and reliability, and one that is economical tomanufacture in large scale production.

While there has been shown and described what are :at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

l. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tribulation extending axially through said base, an anode structuresupported internally upon the tubulation above the cup-shaped base,conductive 'means integral with the tubulation to provide an externalelectrical connection for the anode, a cup-shaped dome inverted relativeto said base and hermetically joined thereto to pro seal plane, and"city of electrodes internally spaced from one another and radiallyspaced from st id anode extending outwardly through the seal plane toprovide external electrical connections for said electrodes.

2. A multi-el-ectrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tribulation extending axially through said base, an anode structuresupported internally upon the tribulation above the cup-shaped base,conductive means extending through the tribulation to provide anexternal electrical connection for the anode, a cup-shaped dome invertedrelative to said base and hermetically joined thereto to provide a sealplane, and a multiplicity of electrodes internally spaced from oneanother and radially spaced from said anode extending outwardly throughthe seal plane to provide external electrical connections for saidelectrodes.

3. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tubulation of insulating material extending axially through said base,an anode structure supported internally upon the tubulation above thecupshaped base, a conductor joined to the anode structure and extendingthrough the tubulation to provide an external electrical connection forthe anode, a cup-shaped dome inverted relative to said base andhermetically joined thereto to provide a seal plane, and a multiplicityof electrodes internally spaced from one another and radially spacedfrom said anode extending outwardly through the seal plane to provideexternal electrical connection for said electrodes.

4. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shapedinsulated base, an electrically conductive .tubulation extending axiallythrough said base, an anode structure connected to and supportedinternally upon the tabulation above the cup-shaped base to provide anexternal electrical connection for the anode, a cup-shaped dome invertedrelative to said base and hermetically joined thereto to provide a sealplane, and a multiplicity of electrodes internally spaced from oneanother and radially spaced from said anode extend ng outwardly throughthe seal plane to provide external electrical connections for saidelectrodes.

5. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tubulation extending axially through said base, an anode structuresupported internally upon the tribulation above the cup-shaped base,conductive means integral with the tabulation to provide an externalelectrical connection for the anode, a substantially hemispherical domeinverted relative to said base and hermetically joined thereto toprovide a seal plane, a multiplicity of substantially L-shapedelectrodes with the short legs thereof forming internal electrodes lyingsubstantially perpendicular to the seal plane in a spaced radial array,said short legs being substantially equidistantly spaced from saidanode, and the long legs of the Lsh-aped electrodes extending radiallyand outwardly through the seal plane to provide external electricalconnections therefor.

6. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tribulation extending axially through said base, an anode structuresupported int rnally upon the tubulation above the cup-shaped base,conductive means integral with the tubulation to provide an externalelectrical connection for the anode, a cup-shaped don e invertedrelative to said base and hermetic-ally joined thereto to provide a sealplane, and a multiplicity of of electrodes internally spaced from oneanother and radially spaced from said anode extending outwardly throughthe seal plane and having extremities positioned to provide base pins.

7. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a substantiallysaucer-shaped base, a tribulation extending axially through said base,an anode structure supported internally upon the tribulation within thesaucershaped base, conductive means integral with the tubulation toprovide an external electrical connection for the anode, a substantiallysaucer-shaped dome inverted relative to said base and hermeticallyjoined thereto to provide a seal plane COXtIlSlVC with the anode plane,a multiplicity of substantially straight electrodes internally spaced inradial array in a plane coextensive with the anode and seal planes, saidelectrodes having their inner ends substantially equidistantly spacedfrom said anode and extending from the inner ends radially and outwardlythrough the seal plane to provide external electrical connections forsaid electrodes.

8. A multi-electrode gaseous discharge device having a cup-shaped base,a tubulation extending axially through said base, an anode structuresupported internally upon the tubulation above the cup-shaped base,conductive means integral with the tubulation to provide an externaelectrical connection for the anode, a cup-shaped dome invented relativeto said base and hermetically joined thereto to provide a seal plane, amultiplicity of electrodes including at least two groups of alternatelypositioned guide cathodes internally spaced from one another andradially spaced from said anode extending through the seal plane toprovide external electrical connections for said electrodes, and anannular electrical conductor ex- 6 ternally bonded to the dome portionof the tube to electrically connect together one group of guidecathodes, and a second annular electrical conductor externally bonded tothe base portion or" the tube to electrically conmeet together a secondgroup of guide cathodes.

9. A process for manufacturing -a multi-electrode gaseous dischargedevice having a hermetic envelope comprising the steps of supporting asubstantially hemispherical envelope base relative to a tribulationhaving an anode structure mounted thereon, axially sealing thetubulation to said base, orienting a multiplicity of similar electnodesin a substantially equidistant radial arrangement about the rim of thebase, positioning a substantially hemispherical envelope dome in aposition inverted to that of the base and aligning the base and the domewith said electrodes therebetween, heat sealing the base and the domeWith the electrodes therebetween While introducing an inert gas into theenveloped device to exert a pressure and maintain envelope shape duringsealing, exhausting said inert gas, filling the envelope with aprescribed operating gaseous mixture, and sealing the tubulation of saiddevice.

No references cited.

1. A MULTI-ELECTRODE GASEOUS DISCHARGE DEVICE HAVING A CUP-SHAPED BASE,A TUBULATION EXTENDING AXIALLY THROUGH SAID BASE, AN ANODE STRUCTURESUPPORTED INTERNALLY UPON THE TUBULATION ABOVE THE CUP-SHAPED BASE,CONDUCTIVE MEANS INTEGRAL WITH THE TUBULATION TO PROVIDE AN EXTERNALELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR THE ANODE, A CUP-SHAPED DOME INVERTED RELATIVETO SAID BASE AND HERMETICALLY JOINED